Can my landlord evict me in Minnesota for too many roommates?

Yes, if occupancy exceeds your lease or city code limits, your landlord may issue a notice or initiate eviction. You normally have a chance to correct the issue first.

Where can I find my city’s occupancy limit rules?

Visit your local city housing or code enforcement office. For example, Minneapolis enforcement information is online at the city's official website.

How many people can share a bedroom in Minnesota?

Most cities use a guideline of two people per bedroom, but local codes or lease agreements may differ. Check your municipality’s rules.

Does Minnesota state law limit family occupancy?

State law does not restrict families living together, but local occupancy codes may set maximum limits on unrelated or total occupants.

Can a tenant challenge an overcrowding notice?

Yes, you can respond to the notice, provide documentation, and request a review if you believe the accusation is incorrect.

Minnesota Laws on Occupancy Limits and Overcrowding

Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Minnesota published: June 21, 2025

Shared living is common in Minnesota, whether with roommates, family, or subtenants. But as housing gets tighter, understanding Minnesota’s occupancy limits and overcrowding laws is vital for renters and leaseholders. This guide covers key rules, your rights, and clear steps if you’re concerned about too many people living in a space.

What Are Occupancy Limits in Minnesota?

Occupancy limits are rules about how many people can legally live in a residential unit. These rules aim to protect your health and safety by preventing overcrowding and ensuring proper use of utilities and shared amenities.

State law: Minnesota does not set a universal occupancy limit in its landlord-tenant statute. However, most cities follow federal guidelines or have local codes.
Local city codes: Many cities, like Minneapolis and St. Paul, regulate occupancy based on the number of people per bedroom or unit size. For example, a common local rule is two persons per bedroom, plus one additional person per unit.
Federal guidelines: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommends two people per bedroom as a general standard, though properties may allow more if space allows.

Check your municipality’s housing code for specific figures in your city. Some buildings, especially multi-family dwellings, may also have stricter rules in their lease agreements or building policies.

How Are Overcrowding Laws Enforced?

Overcrowding usually means more people are living in a unit than city or lease limits allow. This can lead to health and safety concerns, citations, or orders to reduce occupancy.

City inspectors or housing officers handle complaints or suspected overcrowding.
Landlords can cite occupancy violations as a lease breach and start an eviction if unresolved.

In Minneapolis, for instance, the Housing Inspections Services enforce residential codes. You may check their procedures for reporting or responding to violations.

What Does Minnesota Law Say About Roommates?

Minnesota’s Landlord and Tenant Law (Chapter 504B) allows tenants to have roommates unless restricted by the lease or occupancy limits. Always check your written lease for guest or roommate policies—you may need landlord permission to add occupants.

Common Signs and Outcomes of Overcrowding

More people occupying a space than permitted by lease, city code, or bedroom count.
Excessive noise, wear and tear, or maintenance issues.
Fines from city code enforcement or orders from housing inspectors.
Landlord actions: notices to comply or evict for lease violation.

Every situation varies; seek early advice if you believe occupancy limits are being exceeded in your unit.

Official Forms: Notice of Alleged Overcrowding

While there is no statewide Minnesota form specifically titled “Overcrowding Notice,” cities may notify tenants and landlords using a local ‘Notice of Correction’ or ‘Housing Code Violation Notice.’ For example:

City of Minneapolis: Housing Violation Correction Notice
- Used when city inspectors document overcrowding or other code violations.
- Example: If your apartment is cited for hosting more occupants than allowed, you’ll receive this notice explaining the violation and deadline to correct it.

Keep copies of notices and correct issues promptly to avoid escalation.

What To Do If You Face an Overcrowding Complaint

Read any complaint or notice carefully and check your lease and local code.
Contact your landlord or property manager for clarification and to discuss compliance options.
If you believe the accusation is wrong, gather lease documents, occupancy records, and ask for a re-inspection.
If an eviction is threatened, you may respond using the "Answer to Eviction Action" form.

Tribunal for Housing Disputes in Minnesota

The Minnesota Housing Court (part of the Minnesota Judicial Branch) hears landlord-tenant disputes, including occupancy issues, eviction actions, and code compliance claims.

Relevant Legislation: Landlord and Tenant Law in Minnesota

All rules discussed stem from Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B - Landlord and Tenant. Local codes may further detail occupancy limits—always check your city’s housing department for specifics.

If you feel pressured to add more occupants than is healthy or legal, or are threatened with eviction, consult local housing resources or legal aid promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord evict me in Minnesota for too many roommates?
Yes, if occupancy exceeds limits in your lease or local code, your landlord may issue a notice or file for eviction. However, you may have the chance to correct the issue before eviction proceeds.
Where can I find my city’s occupancy limit rules?
Check your city’s housing or code enforcement office. For example, Minneapolis information is at the Minneapolis Housing Inspections Services.
How many people can share a bedroom in Minnesota?
Most cities follow the 2-persons-per-bedroom guideline, but confirm with your local code. Some units or buildings may allow more or fewer based on overall square footage.
Does Minnesota state law limit family occupancy?
Minnesota law itself does not restrict families living together, but some local ordinances or occupancy codes may set maximum numbers for unrelated occupants or total persons.
Can a tenant challenge an overcrowding notice?
Yes. Gather lease and code documents, communicate promptly with your landlord, and request a housing inspector’s review if you believe the notice is mistaken.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

Check both your lease and city codes to understand occupancy limits in your unit.
If you receive an overcrowding notice, address it quickly; seek help if you disagree or need more time.
The Minnesota Housing Court handles disputes or escalation if you cannot resolve the issue with your landlord.

Knowing your rights and local rules can help prevent stressful disputes and protect your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Minnesota Housing Court (Landlord-Tenant Disputes) – Official resource for filing and responding to housing issues.
LawHelpMN: Tenant Rights Overview – Statewide summaries and self-help housing resources.
Minneapolis Housing Code Enforcement – For local housing and overcrowding complaints or questions.
Contact your city’s housing department for specific occupancy limits and complaint procedures.